Medical and Imaging Nanoclusters

Abstract

In one embodiment the present invention discloses a nanocluster or a nanorose composition comprising two or more closely spaced nanoparticles each comprising one or more metals, metal oxides, inorganic substances, or a combination thereof and one or more stabilizers. The stabilizers are in contact with the two or more closely spaced nanoparticles to form a nanocluster composition in which the inorganic weight percentage is greater than 50% and the average size is below 300 nm, and the nanocluster composition has magnetic properties, optical properties or a combination of both.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates in general to the field of nanoclusters of metal nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles, composite nanoclusters of metals and metal oxide nanoparticles and more particularly, to compositions, methods, and applications of nanoclusters stabilized by small amounts of polymers including biocompatible or biodegradable polymers.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with medical uses for gold or gold-coated nanoparticles where the nanocluster is optimized to have enhanced NIR absorbance. It will be understood that in general, other types of primary nanoparticle, both organic and inorganic, and possibly optimized for other types of electromagnetic interaction are also described by the invention.[0003]Many current efforts include development of targeted gold nanocomposites as contrast agents in near infrared (NIR) region for optical imaging (optical...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is related to a method for imaging and treating plaques in arteries. This method involves administering biodegradable nanocluster compositions to the sample, which are made up of nanoparticles containing metals or inorganic substances and stabilizers. The nanocluster compositions have absorbance in the visible and near infrared regions, can be superparamagnetic or have strong magnetic relaxivity. They can be used for imaging the sample and then degraded by the sample after imaging. The nanocluster compositions can also be used to treat plaques by inducing cell death through photothermolysis. The method can be used for identifying patients in need of treatment and monitoring the uptake of the nanocluster compositions. The technical effects of this invention include improved imaging and treatment of plaques in arteries.

Problems solved by technology

Gold nanomaterials have intrinsic problems based on the consideration of effectiveness, toxicity and stability discussed on the above.

To synthesis high quality gold nanorods, a strong capping ligand cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and a mediation agent AgNO3 were used, which are toxic and very difficult to be removed from the surface of nanorods.

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